Major city · Germany
Reutlingen
Give Reutlingen one night as a base for Metzingen outlets and the Swabian Mountains, or skip it if you want a postcard old town.
Reutlingen is an industrial city of about 116,000 at the foot of the Swabian Mountains, 35 minutes by train from Stuttgart and 10 from Tübingen. It has a Gothic church, a 31 cm-wide lane and a good shopping street, but it is a working town rather than a showpiece. Most travellers use it as a base for outlet shopping in Metzingen, cave visits and hikes, or as a half-day stop between Tübingen and Stuttgart. Accommodation here is generally cheaper than in Stuttgart (2026 estimate).
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Nov–Feb (grey, wet, few outdoor options)
- Airport
- STR
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Central Europe ↗Six of the nine countries here — Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia — charge a time-based motorway vignette, mostly digital and linked to the number plate; buy it before the first motorway past the border, because cameras, not toll booths, do the checking.
- Central Europe ↗Temporary police checks at internal Schengen borders are common in this region in 2026 (Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia among others — check): keep your passport on you on every cross-border train, bus and road even though there is no fixed control post.
- Germany ↗Germany is in the EU and the Schengen area: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Germany ↗Nazi symbols and gestures are criminal offences, including as jokes or souvenirs.
- Germany ↗Many city centres are low-emission zones: a car needs the right sticker (Umweltplakette) to enter.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Reutlingen112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Reutlingen, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Germany-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelekom, Vodafone and O2 are the networks; Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect and congstar resell them cheaply in supermarkets and electronics shops.Germany-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.Germany-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Round up or add 5–10%; say the total you want to pay as you hand over money or card.Germany-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Germany-wide
- SafetyReutlingen is a low-risk German city; the real annoyances are ticket fines, closed caves out of season and weekend crowds in Metzingen.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsStation toilets cost €0.50–1.50 (≈ US$1–2) (Rail&Fresh WC); restaurant toilets are for customers…Germany-wide
- Emergency numbers112 fire and ambulance · 110 police · 116 117 Out-of-hours doctor (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops close on Sundays and public holidays nearly everywhere except stations and airports.Germany-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSTR Stuttgart Airport (X3 bus from outside Terminal 2 to Reutlingen Stadtmitte, about 45 min; rail via Stuttgart Hbf is slower and involves changes).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: Marktplatz to the station is about 15 minutes on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee in a café€2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealDöner kebabThe default cheap meal in the centre.€5–8 (≈ US$6–10)
- Beer0.5 l in a pub / bottle from a shop€4–5.50 (≈ US$5–7)€1–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- Metro or bus rideSingle bus or train ticket, one zoneabout €3 (≈ US$4) (check)
- Museum or sight ticketCave entry (Nebelhöhle)€6 (≈ US$7)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€120 (≈ US$140)
- High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel, a night, per room€190 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €70 (≈ US$85) · Mid €120 (≈ US$140) · High €220 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- STR Stuttgart Airport (X3 bus from outside Terminal 2 to Reutlingen Stadtmitte, about 45 min; rail via Stuttgart Hbf is slower and involves changes)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Feb
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
not flagged
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
not flagged
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Dec
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest May (12 rain days), driest Feb (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Reutlingen: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
9 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
11 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Nov
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Dec
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable: Marktplatz to the station is about 15 minutes on foot. Buses and trains run under the naldo network; a single ticket (Einzelfahrschein) is valid one hour and a day ticket costs about twice as much. Buy before boarding — inspectors charge a €40 fine and you cannot buy on the train. For caves, castles and the Swabian Mountains, a car is far more practical than buses.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Metzingen outlets
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Train from Reutlingen Hbf, under 10 min
Go at opening on a weekday; weekends fill the big brands.
Tübingen
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Train from Reutlingen Hbf, about 10 min
University town with a canal, a castle viewpoint and better eating than Reutlingen.
Lichtenstein Castle
cautionDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Train or bus towards Honau, then walk; a car is much easier
19th-century castle on a cliff edge; check opening days before you commit.
Nebelhöhle cave
goDoor to door: About 1 h by car
Bus or car towards Sonnenbühl, about 20 km (12 mi) southBus or car towards Sonnenbühl, about 12 mi (20 km) south
Open March–November, 09:00–17:30, €6; cold and damp inside.Open March–November, 9:00 AM–5:30 PM, €6; cold and damp inside.
Bärenhöhle cave
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h by car
Bus or car towards Sonnenbühl/Erpfingen, a separate stop from Nebelhöhle; a car is much easier
Separate site from Nebelhöhle; check season and hours before travelling.
Stuttgart
goDoor to door: About 50 min
Train from Reutlingen Hbf, about 35 min
Use it for the Staatsgalerie, the car museums and the airport.
Ulm
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Train via Stuttgart or Plochingen, about 1.5 h
Minster and Danube old town deserve more than a rushed return trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Stadtmitte around Marktplatz
Walk to Marienkirche, Spreuerhofstraße and the Wilhelmstraße shops; best for one night without a car.
Bahnhof and Echazufer
Train station, long-distance bus stop on Bahnhofstraße and most of the bars; 10–15 min walk to the old centre.
Metzingen
Only if outlet shopping is the whole point; 10 min by train, but you lose the Reutlingen evening.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room, mid hotel1 × 1 night × €120 | €120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €120 | €240 |
| X3 bus from Stuttgart Airport, one way2 × €7 | €13 |
| naldo day ticket, one zone, one day2 × €6 · check | €12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €41 |
| Trip total≈ €223 per person per day, bed included | €446≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee in a café | €2.50–4 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Döner kebabThe default cheap meal in the centre. | €5–8 (≈ US$6–10) |
| Beer, 0.5 l in a pub / bottle from a shop | €4–5.50 (≈ US$5–7) / €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Mid-range restaurant main | €12–20 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Single bus or train ticket, one zone | about €3 (≈ US$4) (check) |
| Cave entry (Nebelhöhle) | €6 (≈ US$7) |
| Train Reutlingen → Stuttgart | €11.80 (≈ US$14) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Buy a ticket before you board trains and buses: on-board purchase is not possible on trains, and inspectors charge a fine (about €40 (≈ US$50), check) — validate before boarding.
- Caves such as Nebelhöhle and Bärenhöhle close or cut hours outside the March–November season: check before travelling.
- Sunday shopping is closed in Reutlingen; Metzingen outlet Sunday hours vary by store, so check the individual brand before you travel.
- Reutlingen is a working city, not a preserved old town: do not book three nights expecting Rothenburg.
Emergency numbers
- Fire and ambulance
- 112
- Police
- 110
- Out-of-hours doctor
- 116 117
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
ReutlingenReutlingen
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Zu dieser Adresse, bitteTo this address, please
Emergency
- Fire and ambulance112
- Police110
- Out-of-hours doctor116 117
Embassy
No embassy in Reutlingen; the US consulate general is in Frankfurt and most embassies are in Berlin. For a lost passport, contact your embassy first.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Stuttgart Airport → Reutlingen Stadtmitte, X3 bus: €6.60 (≈ US$8), about 45 min
- Reutlingen → Tübingen, train: €3.20 (≈ US$4), 10 min
- Reutlingen → Stuttgart Hbf, train: €11.80 (≈ US$14), 35 min
Say or show
- Entschuldigung — Excuse me / Sorry (ent-SHOOL-dee-goong)
- Danke — Thank you (DAN-ker)
- Das hier, bitte — This one, please (das heer, BIT-ter)
- Wie viel kostet das? — How much is it? (vee feel KOS-tet das)
- Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? — Can I pay by card? (kan ikh mit KAR-ter TSAH-len)
- Wo ist die Toilette? — Where is the toilet? (vo ist dee toy-LET-ter)
Tipping: round up or add 5–10% and say the total as you pay.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Reutlingen. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Nov–Feb (grey, wet, few outdoor options) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for STR: X3 bus times, last connection, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Marktplatz and Marienkirche, Spreuerhofstraße and Wilhelmstraße, the station and Echazufer.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Marienkirche, Spreuerhofstraße, Spendhaus, Naturkundemuseum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Cave and castle season fixtures so the day-trip gates can go green.